Vintage Art Deco 3.02 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Platinum Hidden Halo Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are beyond thrilled to have this vintage beauty!! Ring Details Material: Platinum Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Head Width: 9.5mm Head Height: 6.2mm Shank Width: 1mm Weight: 4.7 Gram...
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Art Deco Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum Weight 4.6g Art Deco Diamond Ring This ring is crafted in platinum. The design features three old mine cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.2 carats, set in a geometric ar...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Victorian Emerald Double Snake Ring 750 Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Victorian Emerald Double Snake Ring. The ring is very detailed out with the snake design. You can clearly see every aspect the designer wanted to point out, all the way from ...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring, Italy, 1920s
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
This ring from the Art Deco collection by Vitale 1913 showcases a striking navette-shaped cluster design, set in white gold. A larger central diamond takes center stage, surrounded b...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Platinum GIA 1.30 Carat Diamond Brilliant Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#:5231213075 Weight: 1.30ct total weight...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,732Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1920s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.60 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vvs-vs clarity. Ring size is US 7 We can make any size. Box is not inclu...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Art Deco 1.37 Carat Old European Diamond & Sapphire Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Montgomery, AL
A commanding old European-cut diamond takes center stage within an ornate platinum mounting filled with engraved patterns, intricate openwork details, and a subtle splash of sapphir...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique French Seed Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.48 carat diamond and seed pearl, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. Thi...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold BPOE Elk Lodge Blue & White Enamel Ring - Size 10.5
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This distinguished vintage BPOE (Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks) fraternal ring is beautifully crafted from highly polished 14K yellow gold. Richly detailed, the historic st...
Yellow Gold, Enamel
1920s Art Deco GIA Certified 1.31 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.8 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate #2183128150 Shape: Circular Brilliant ...
White Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous Art Deco emerald cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This gorgeous engage...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.42 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.42 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold solitaire ring; part of our diverse collection of 1920s diamond rings. This stunning, fine and impres...
Diamond, White Gold
1.00 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Stone Details: Type: Ruby (Created) Size: 1.00ct Color: Red Shape: Cabachon Diamond Details: We...
Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1920s Platinum GIA 1.25ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 2235480037 Weight: 1.25 ct total weight...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous Art Deco old emerald cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. The ring fea...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Art Deco Platinum GIA Certified .71 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.6 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate#5182230860 Shape: Old Mine Brilliant Carat Weigh...
White Diamond, Platinum
1920s Art Deco GIA Certified 1.08 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.75 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.6 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate #6183336469 Shape: Old European Brilliant Car...
White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Tiffany & Co. Diamond Platinum Eternity Ring, Size 9.25
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: Crafted with exquisite detail and quality, this stunning eternity band features 38 single cut diamonds set in a platinum band. Its intricate design and charming vin...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 2.05ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A stunning 2.05 carat old cushion cut diamond is showcased in this timeless 1920s solitaire ring. With colour of I and clarity of VS1 the beautiful white diamond is claw set into an ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Patterned Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a stunning ring, with a centre stone which weighs 2.34 carat. It is a beautiful old cut diamond which is expertly and professionally set within this unique and hand crafted m...
Diamond, Platinum
14 Karat White Gold Art Deco Filigree Sapphire Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 4.25 Metal Type: 14K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.7 grams Sapphire Details: .40ct, Blue Sapphire, Round Brilliant, Natural Sap...
White Gold
Art Deco Old Mine Diamond & Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Old Mine Diamond & Ruby Ring An 18 karat white gold ring set with 8 old mine diamonds and 5 round cut rubies Accompanied by an AGL report stating that the center ruby is o...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 1920s 6.50 Carat Sugarloaf Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Sugarloaf Emerald weighing approximately 6.50 carats and small accenting Diamonds on the setting. Circa 1920s Size 5, resizable
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Sectioned Engraved Eternity Band Ring Size 6.5
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid .900+ Platinum Weight: 3.22 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 ( fitted on finger, can not be sized) Ring Width: 2.7mm (0.10") Ring Height: 1.1mm (rise off finger) Condition: Ant...
Platinum
Art Deco old cut diamond sapphire navette platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite Art Deco navette ring showcases two beautifully matched old European cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carat, displaying a soft and elegant brilliance with H-I ...
Blue Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Contemporary 5.00 carat topaz diamond 18k white gold bypass ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant contemporary bypass ring is a beautifully sculptural design from the 2020’s, featuring 2 oval cut topaz stones weighing approximately 5.00 carats in total. Their gracefu...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Circa 1920s GIA 2.58ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.1 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 2235467044 Weight: 2.58ct total weig...
Diamond, Platinum
Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1925
Located in London, GB
Burmese sapphire and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with an oval old cut natural unenhanced Burmese sapphire in an open back claw and rubover setting with a weight of 2.64 carat...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
.50 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .50carat, total Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G-H Clarity: VS Finger to...
Diamond, Platinum
.75 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .75ct, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS Finger...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1.37ct Diamond & Platinum Halo Cocktail Ring, Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique and contemporary 1.37 carat diamond and platinum halo style cocktail ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive hal...
Diamond, Platinum
.40 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .40carat, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G/H Clarity: VS Fing...
Diamond, Platinum
French Art Deco 2.60 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum, dog head hallmark. Sublime art deco ring, it presents a rectangular shape with cut sides set in the center of an antique cushion- cut diamond in an entourage of 16 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
.30 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .30ct, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G-H Clarity: VS/SI Fing...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco C.D. Peacock Platinum Colombian Emerald Diamond Filigree Ring
By Orange Blossom
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco C.D. Peacock Platinum Colombian Emerald Diamond Filigree Ring. This gorgeous antique Art Deco Colombian emerald and diamond filigree ring is crafted in pla...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
.25 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 8.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .25 Carat Total Weight Cut: Old European Brilliant Color: G Clar...
White Diamond, Platinum
1920s Art Deco Platinum GIA Certified 1.04 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.9 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate #2185117665 Shape: Old European Brilliant Cara...
White Diamond, Platinum
1920s Art Deco Platinum GIA Certified .53 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 2.3 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate #2181181931 Shape: Circular Brilliant Carat We...
White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.90ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This classic solitaire engagement ring features a delightful old cut diamond weighing 0.90 carat. The diamond is of good quality with a colour grading of F and clarity of SI1. This t...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 0.78 Carat Sapphire and 0.29 Carat Diamond, Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.78 carat sapphire and 0.29 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse collection of cabochon rings. This stunning, fine and...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1925
Located in London, GB
Art Deco diamond cluster ring. Vertically set with two round old cut diamonds in open back rubover settings with a combined weight of 1.40 carats, flanked by two round old cut diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum 0.62ctw Old Diamond All Original Petite Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Circular Cut - Prong Set - H Color - VS1 Clarity - 0.52ct (approx.) (6) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Single Cut - Pave Set - 0.10ctw...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1.20ct Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Central to this wondrous Art Deco cluster ring sits a glittering 1.20 carat old cut diamond. Encircling the centre stone, a further 0.42 carat in old cut diamonds are claw set. The d...
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
1920s Art Deco Platinum GIA Certified 1.27 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 4.2 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate #6187614026 Shape: Old Mine Brilliant Carat ...
White Diamond, Platinum
1920 Art Deco Platinum GIA Certified 1.20 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate # 6183117276 Shape: Old European Brilliant C...
White Diamond, Platinum
1920s Art Deco GIA Certified 1.15 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.1 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center Diamond - Certificate #5181337013 Shape: Old European Brilliant Car...
White Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .89 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:6214861435 Weight: .89carat Cut: Old European brilliant Color: J...
Diamond, Platinum
.35 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 3 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .35carat, total Cut: Old European brilliant Color: G-H Clarity: SI Pearl Detai...
Diamond, Platinum
1920s Antique French 1.48 Carat Diamond White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique French 1.48 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold solitaire style engagement ring; part of our diverse antique estate jewelry collections. This fine and impres...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum 1.02ct Unheated Ruby & 1.20cttw Old Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1920 - Platinum Art Deco 1.02ct Unheated Ruby & 1.20cttw Old Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring - VEG#558 Ring Details: Size: 5.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.3 g Gem S...
Art Deco 1920's Diamond 0.90ctw Filigree Vintage Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: An exquisite engagement ring featuring a central European-cut diamond, weighing 0.75 carats, with H color and VS2 clarity. The primary stone is elega...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 18K White Gold Aquamarine Diamond Ring, 18.13 Carats, Belgium
Located in Uccle, BE
White gold 18K ring set with a cushion Aquamarine of 18.13 Carats, four brilliant diamonds and 8 baguette shape diamonds for a total of approximately 1.15 Carats (estimated F/G color...
Aquamarine, Diamond
Circa 1920s GIA 1.54ct Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.7 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#:6237364335 Weight: 1.54ct total weight Cut:...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,513Sale Price / item|20% Off
Art Deco 1920-1925 Diamond and Silver Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
This ring captures the essence of the Art Deco era, from 1920-1925, crafted in 18K gold with 925 silver accents. It features Diamonds in a simple cut and rose cut, totaling 1.00 cara...
Diamond, Silver
.75 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.0 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .75 carat, total Cut: Old European brilliant Color: H Clarity: VS Sapphire ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Silver Triple Flower Chalcedony Cabochon Ring
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This charming ring was made out of silver in 1920 ca. It is designed as a cluster of three flowers, each flower is set with a green chalcedony cabochon. The ring is impressed with th...
Chalcedony, Silver
Art Deco 11.70 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an outstanding cocktail ring taken from the height of the Art Deco movement. This platinum piece focally features a remarkable 11.70 carat rectangular cut natural Ceylon...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.11 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.9 grams Hallmarks: French hallmark on inner shank Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 5221022929 Weight: 2.1...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 1920s Art Deco Pink Tourmaline Marquise Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This antique engagement ring presents an attractive reddish pink tourmaline. Although it is uncommon to see a marquise cut colored gemstone, it captures the light strikingly and make...
Tourmaline, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.51 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #: 5211484515 Weight: 1.51ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: M ...
Diamond, Platinum
Fascination with the Jazz Age is endless, and even today jewelry designers continue to be inspired by authentic Art Deco jewelry and watches.
The Art Deco period, encompassing the 1920s and ’30s, ushered in a very distinct look in the design of jewelry. There were many influences on the jewelry of the era that actually began to take shape prior to the 1920s. In 1909, Serge Diaghilev brought the Ballet Russes to Paris, and women went wild for the company’s exotic and vibrant costumes It’s no wonder, then, that jade, lapis lazuli, coral, turquoise and other bright gemstones became all the rage. There already existed a fascination with the East, particularly China and Japan, and motifs consisting of fans and masks started to show up in Art Deco jewelry.
However, the event that had the greatest influence on Deco was the excavation of the tomb of King Tut in 1922. When the world saw what was hidden in Tut’s burial chamber, it sent just about everyone into a frenzy. Pierre Cartier wrote in 1923 that “the discovery of the tomb will bring some sweeping changes in fashion jewelry.” And he couldn’t have been more right. “Egyptomania” left an indelible mark on all of the major jewelry houses, from Cartier to Van Cleef & Arpels, Boucheron and Georges Fouquet. (Cartier created some of the most iconic jewelry designs that defined this era.)
While a lot of Art Deco jewelry was black and white — the black coming from the use of onyx or black enamel and the white from rock crystal and diamonds — there is plenty of color in jewelry of the era. A perfect accent to diamonds in platinum settings were blue sapphires, emeralds and rubies, and these stones were also used in combination with each other.
Many designers employed coral, jade and lapis lazuli, too. In fact, some of the most important avant-garde jewelers of the period, like Jean Després and Jean Fouquet (son of Georges), would combine white gold with ebony and malachite for a jolt of color.
A lot of the jewelry produced during this time nodded to current fashion trends, and women often accessorized their accessories. The cloche hat was often accented with geometric diamond brooches or double-clip brooches. Backless evening dresses looked fabulous with sautoir necklaces, and long pearl necklaces that ended with tassels, popular during the Edwardian period, were favored by women everywhere, including Coco Chanel.
Find unique Art Deco necklaces, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Ready to rock? Some of our favorite jewelry designers and dealers share indispensable advice for choosing that most important ring.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.